European Grants

The EU's long-term budget, typically structured in 7-year cycles, which sets the maximum spending limits for different policy areas and grant programs.

The requirement that grant recipients must cover a percentage of the total project costs using their own resources or other non-EU funding sources.

A collaborative group of independent organizations (such as enterprises, universities, and research centers) from different countries that jointly apply for and execute a grant project.

The lead organization in a consortium that acts as the primary intermediary between the European Commission and the other project partners.

A mechanism where a primary EU-grant recipient redistributes portions of its funding budget to startups and SMEs via simplified open calls.

The EU's flagship funding program for research and innovation, designed to drive scientific breakthroughs and boost industrial competitiveness.

The legally binding contract signed between the European Commission (or its funding agency) and the grant beneficiaries, outlining the project's terms, obligations, and funding conditions.

Specific project expenses (such as personnel, equipment, and travel) that meet the strict criteria set by the EU and can be reimbursed under the grant.

General overhead expenses (such as office space and utilities) that cannot be directly linked to the project but are necessary for its execution, often calculated as a flat rate.

Expenses incurred during a project that do not meet the criteria for EU funding (such as VAT or currency exchange losses) and must be paid entirely by the recipient.

A distinct, tangible output of the project (such as a research report, prototype, or software release) that must be submitted to the EU to prove progress.

A key control point or mid-project target used to measure progress and determine if a project is on track to meet its long-term objectives.

A major subdivision of a project's work plan, grouping related tasks and activities into manageable structural units.

A measurement scale (from 1 to 9) used to assess the maturity of a technology, helping the EU target grants for either early-stage research or market-ready innovation.

A unique 9-digit identification number assigned to legal entities registered in the EU's Funding & Tenders Portal, required for any grant application.

15. Participant Identification Code (PIC)

An official invitation published by the European Commission, inviting organizations to submit project proposals addressing specific thematic objectives within a set deadline.

The strategic plan and process of utilizing, commercializing, or standardizing the results and intellectual property generated during an EU-funded project.

The public disclosure and promotion of project results to stakeholders, policymakers, and the wider scientific community through publications, events, or media.

The formal regulatory term for cascade funding, allowing direct financial aid to be passed down to smaller, external entities.

19. Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP)

A core EU principle focusing research and technology deployment on social benefit, safety, and ethical standards.

The complete chronological record of financial transactions, timesheets, and invoices that a beneficiary must maintain to prove grant funds were spent correctly.

The formal document sent to applicants containing the detailed feedback and scores assigned to their proposal by the independent EU expert evaluators.

National support structures established by governments to provide free, highly localized guidance, info, and coaching to regional grant applicants.

An investment structure that combines public grant funding with private investment (such as venture capital or debt financing) to de-risk high-potential tech startups.

A penalty where the European Commission reduces or claws back a portion of a grant because of non-compliance, errors, or financial irregularities found during an audit.